JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Effectiveness of Educational Videos in Encouraging Preferences for Guideline-Based Cancer Screening: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial in Japan

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of educational videos in encouraging preference for guideline-based cancer screening.

Methods:

This three-arm pseudo-randomized controlled trial was conducted in June 2025 using a Japanese online survey platform. Eligible respondents were 30–60 years working adults with no history of major cancer. Respondents were assigned to one of three video conditions: video A, which provided a logical explanation of false-positive risks; video B, which presented the narrative of a woman who received a false-positive result from breast cancer screening; and video C, which depicted a man who underwent unnecessary follow-up testing after tumor marker screening. The primary outcome was the preference for guideline-based cancer screening after watching the videos. The secondary outcomes included seven self-reported video evaluation items, such as perceived relevance and clarity, assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences in primary outcomes between the videos were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for covariates. Means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each secondary outcome according to sex and video group. Additionally, pre- and post-video changes in screening preferences were assessed using McNemar’s test with a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

A total of 1,200 respondents (400 per group) completed the survey. No statistically significant differences in the primary outcome were observed between the video groups. With reference to video A, the adjusted odds ratios for preferring guideline-based screening were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.59–1.32) for video B and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.65–1.46) for video C. Regarding secondary outcomes, male respondents rated Video B less favorably than female respondents in terms of relevance and willingness to undergo guideline-based screening. A pre–post comparison showed a significant change in guideline-based preferences (p = 0.04). These videos appeared to be more effective for individuals with an annual history of colorectal cancer screening, than for those without such a history.

Conclusions:

Educational videos have the potential to influence screening preferences; however, no single video format has demonstrated clear superiority. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring educational materials to the target audience characteristics. Further research is required to develop effective strategies to encourage guideline-based cancer screening. Clinical Trial: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (ID: UMIN000066119)